1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP) has 42 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 170 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Citroen Xsara, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Xsara | Elan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 116 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
